Monday, January 31, 2011

I get like Pavlov's dog when I hear that restaurant week is about to begin. My tongue hangs out of the corner of my mouth, and mini visions of exotic dishes dance through my head. By the way, calling it restaurant week is a bit of a misnomer, since it's been so successful that here, at least, they have stretched it to two weeks.

Restaurant week in the Denver area begins February 26, and goes through March 11. I am going to try at least three restaurants in that time frame, and more, if possible. It is a bit of a decadence; however, given the opportunity to try a restaurant with their premier dishes at a fraction of their original menu price is something that I just have to do. It is, shall we say, my calling. I must answer!

The top three I know I will be going to are as follow:

1515

Bistro Vendome

Del Frisco's (where I've been, but one of my friends would like to go)

There are several others that I may try to get to as well, but at least I have some priorities. I've heard some great things about another restaurant called, Colt & Gray, so I will more than likely slip that one into the mix as well.

The prices are great, because you can go as a single person and pay $26.00 or go with someone else and pay $52.00. I like that option, because there are numerous occasions where either a. I want to go to a place where nobody else wants to go, or b. I want to go buy myself, so having the single person option is a great benefit. Long gone are the days where a host or hostess makes you feel like an outcast by stepping into a restaurant by yourself. Actually, quite a few savvier restaurants have begun implementing communal type seating, which encourages those who are in larger groups, or alone, to have a place to sit and eat, and possibly get to meet new people. I don't think the restaurants intentions are to serve as a "love connection," but they are simply capitalizing on a market that is ever increasing.

My recommendation would be for everyone to google their cities name, and see if/when restaurant week begins where you are. Enjoy, and happy eating!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Our neighbors to the Southwest have been inundated with horrible news over the past year and a half. It seems like once every few months there are news stories of bombings, heads being found buried on beaches in the sand, cartel drug crimes, and a host of other horrific news that finds its way into our headlines.

I've been to various cities in Mexico on numerous occasions in my life, and I can honestly say that not once in any of my visits have I ever felt unsafe, threatened or ill at ease. Now, with that being said, I do take precautions when I travel, but I take the same precautions when I am traveling (or even not traveling) anywhere - including in the United States. In my opinion, safety begins at home. Are there circumstances that are beyond our control when we travel? Absolutely, but there are things that I am certain that a lot of people do while they are home that carry over to their travels. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people run into a convenience store and leave their car running with an animal or child inside. Or the ladies who place their handbags on the back of their chairs, and then wonder how on heavens earth it got scooped up. I believe the people of Mexico are just as alarmed by the seeming escalation of crime, and for the most part, the vast majority of inhabitants of Mexico do not participate, nor encourage the crimes that have been taking place.

When I hear the news stories surrounding Mexico, and then the comments and conclusions that people automatically make, I think about a James Taylor song, "Mexico." The following lines sum up my feelings on those who continue to hold Mexico at an arms length because of the recent reports, "Oh, down in Mexico, I never really been so I don't really know..."

While many people are quick to judge and castigate the country, most of them have never even been before.I understand fear, but I don't believe an entire country should be looked upon with a jaundiced eye simply because some rogue parties have been able to use scare tactics to control a small portion of the country.

Safety is important regardless where you are, and I hope those who've always wanted to go to Mexico do not let a few isolated crimes deter them from their travels.*photo used from: http://topnews.in/files/mexico_10.jpg

Monday, January 17, 2011

It's January and in many states (and other parts of the world) it's cold. Not only cold, downright frigid. In speaking with several of my colleagues, I've made my own personal observation that the colder the climate the more apt people are to go on "impromptu" trips. Several of my colleagues in the Northeast have stated they have had an onslaught of clients contacting them to leave on trips immediately! Some even want to travel in less than a weeks time. They want to go anywhere it's warmer!

By working with a travel professional, instead of them having to pour through several hundred "discount sites," they can contact their travel professional and tell them what they are looking for, and leave the work for someone else. By asking the right questions, the clients can get where they want to go; save some money, and have a great last minute vacation.

Advice on Activities to Book Beforehand - A travel expert can forewarn you of any activities that tend to sell out early so there are no unexpected disappointments when you are there. For example, character dining in Disney sells out months in advance.

General Ideas on Where to Go - A travel expert can offer excellent trip advice based on the details of what type of a trip you want to take. Internet booking sites tend to require a destination up front.

A Trip to Nowhere...Sort of - Want to take a trip to a get away somewhere that is really not a normal vacation hot spot? Your travel specialist can help you find that perfect place.

Great Singles' Trips - A travel agent can help to match you with exciting singles' trips and cruises.

What to Pack - Your travel expert can give you great advice on what to pack to those exotic destinations.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

WOW! I will say it again - WOW! I can't believe it's a new year already. It seems just like yesterday that I started this blog and now a full year (and then some) has passed! Guess what? I'm still excited, elated, titillated, exuberant...ok, I think you get the picture.

It is a new year and everyone is talking about their "resolutions." I am not a "resolution" type of person, per se, but that doesn't mean I don't have goals. In my prior life, I thought goals were simply another avenue for companies to make their employees completely annoyed and irritated; however, having my own business now, I realize that goals actually help to get things done. If there are no goals, ie, directions, then nothing would ever get done. While I believe there are a lot of extremes in the goal setting department, I realize it is crucial for everyone to set some goals to achieve throughout the year.

When I was preparing for college, I remember my guidance counselor suggesting that I apply to an "easy" college; a couple of colleges that I really wanted to go to; and a "stretch" college, that I probably had no chance of being accepted. Her theory was simple, you will be going to college, and to her point, I did go to college (and to a good one, might I add). Setting goals is the same concept. You should set goals that are achievable, and also set some goals that may seemingly be out of your reach, but that you would like to accomplish. It doesn't have to be 50 goals you set in a year; however, ensure that the goals you do set are leading you down the path for future success.

Since starting my own business, I realize just how critical goal setting truly is, and not only for my business, but for my own personal goals. I recently completed my vision board, and I can attest to its power. Many opportunities are beginning to open up for me, and all of the goals I have been working on over the past two years are coming into shape.

I believe the economy (while slowly) is starting to rebound, and many people are beginning to see a bit of hope in the future. Fortunately, this helps a lot of the business and personal goals I've set for myself. I won't bore you all by divulging every goal I've set for this year, but a couple of them are great and will affect some of the followers (and hopefully new followers) of this blog. One of the goals is to increase viewership of this awesome blog, so there will be several drawings for travel and entertainment related gifts. I will also add information regarding a couple of the trips that, Chicks That Trip, will be hosting throughout the year. One of the great trips we have planned for this year is to host a small group to London (the light bulb comes on, and you all say, "ahh, hahh, now we understand the above picture of Harrods in London".) It won't be anytime during the pomp and circumstance surrounding the royal wedding, but it will be in the late Fall when a lot of the tourist have completed their travel, and Londoners start preparing for the holidays.

Stay tuned and check back often to see information on the first drawing to take place in this first quarter!